Kennesaw, GA. – Memphis 901 FC used a game-winning extra time goal from Nighte Pickering to notch a landmark 2-1 victory over Atlanta United FC at Fifth Third Bank Stadium on Wednesday night. The win marks the first victory over an MLS side in club history.
Head Coach Stephen Glass and the Beale St. Boys overcame a 1-0 deficit to pull the upset in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the longest running national soccer tournament on U.S. soil.
It was two former Atlanta United players helping Glass come out on top against his former club with Phillip Goodrum scoring the equalizer and Luiz Fernando assisting on the game-clinching score.
After an early deficit, Memphis showed why they rank top-5 in the USL Championship in possession, final third entries and expected goals per match, sending waves of pressure at the Atlanta back line throughout the entire match. 901 FC found their equalizer with Goodrum winning and converting a penalty kick in the final minute of second half stoppage time.
901 FC used extra time to continue on the front foot, living near the Atlanta goal until Luiz Fernando found Pickering streaking on a run through the middle of the box. The 18-year-old forward finished the cross in the air to give Memphis the 2-1 advantage in extra time.
Memphis put together 30 shots on the Atlanta defense, forcing 10 saves of the keeper, and capitalized when it counted to earn the victory. Memphis moves on to the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup with the date and opponent draw set to be announced at a later date.
Memphis 901 FC returns to AutoZone Park to host 2022 USL Championship finalist Louisville City FC on Saturday, April 29 at 7 p.m. CT.
For more information on Memphis 901 FC, visit https://www.memphis901fc.com and follow the club on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
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Contact
Joshua Clayton – Communications and Public Relations Coordinator – jclayton@memphis901fc.com
